A Hell of a Send Off

Thursday August 6th, 2008 was the Memorial Service for Leroy Grazelle. I still find it difficult to realize he is now training the heavenly gun crews. Why is it, most folks really don't get to know a man until he has passed away? While I knew he had re-enacted for a number of years, I didn't know for how long, nor how many of his immediate family also re-enacted. Heck I wasn't sure if he was still working, or had retired. Leroy was just always there, more than willing to lend a helping hand, provide advice, or crack a joke. Another thing I observed, there was one hell of a crowd present to say their final goodbyes.

Unfortunately I have had to attend quite a few memorials and funerals over the past few years. Some were crowded, mainly to make sure the deceased was dead. But Thursday, the folks at the church had to haul in not one, but three additional loads of chairs to the guests. Even with all the additional seating, there were still people standing at the back of the church, all there to pay their respects and to say "Good Bye." To me that marks the true wealth of a man, the number of friends and family he leaves behind.

Lincoln County

It is with heavy heart I come to the keyboard today. We lost a good friend up in Lincoln Sunday afternoon.

Old Lincoln Days went off wonderfully. Beautiful weather all day Saturday, and Sunday. Ron Grimes from Carlsbad performed his one man show,"From Buffalo Hunter to Man Hunter" about Pat Garrett. Patricia Kidney had a nice stand set up presenting Concordia Heritage Association. Of course I was doing my gambling demonstrations. And the Military Committee from the Friends of Ft Selden had camp set up at the Dolan House. We had a good turn out. Had some interesting questions from the crowd.

After lunch Sunday, we started tearing down camp to head back home. Long about 2:30 the un- thinkable happened. Leroy Grazelle collapsed near his trailer. CPR was administered until the ambulance arrived. Unfortunately, Leroy did not make it to the Hospital.

Leroy Grazelle will be missed. He leaves behind his wonderful wife, Rosalyn, A daughter Annette, and sons Steven and Billy. He had been involved in re-enacting and the Friends of Ft Selden for years. Matter of fact, it was Leroy who tought me how to load and man a mountain howitzer. That was back in 1997 or 1998, at Socorro. To sum it all up, because of his knowledge, open heart and faith, and willingness to give the shirt off his own back to some one in need,Leroy Grazelle was one hell of a man. I for one am going to sorely miss him.